Cityhop New Zealand's first car share service – cars by the hour

Earth Day 2012 is coming up on Sunday April 22. It’s an opportunity to think about the amazing job this earth does providing for us all. It’s also a chance to say thanks and practice an eco-friendly behaviour!

We are going to do a series of blogs on Earth Day and watch out, the closer we get Cityhop carshare could have some surprises for you!

With Earth Day in mind here are some ways to green up your diet.

Buy organic:  Yes it is a bit more expensive and can look a bit peculiar! But remember those veges that aren’t perfect are less tampered with! Buying organic usually means that those veges have been produced with health in mind. Choosing organic foods is reported to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 68 percent.

The following list means you don’t always have to buy organic! The US Environmental Working Group named a “Clean 15”  of veges and fruit  least likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues).

They are onions, corn, pineapple, avocado, asparagus, sweet peas, mango, eggplant, cantaloupe, kiwi, cabbage, watermelon, sweet potatoes, grapefruit and mushrooms.

Buy local: We all know the mantra, buy local because it cuts down on your food miles. I like the idea that someone locally (often a small operation)  has grown something and then sold it locally. Lots of people must agree with this which is why Farmer’s Markets are so popular. When we buy local we are reducing the journey food travels from farm to fork.

Typically small farms use sustainable agricultural techniques that protect water and build healthy soils. Their livelihood, depends on it. I read that small is also good because small growers  typically plant a variety of crops, whereas some large industrial farms, grow acres of the same crop. Crop diversity is a good defense against the spread of damaging insects and plant pathogens. If a problem arises in one crop, it’s unlikely to spread to others.

Grow your own: Whether it’s a pot of herbs or you replace a bed of flowers with dark leafy greens, a home garden is the ultimate local food source. Nothing beats the satisfaction of picking and eating something you have grown!

And don’t forget our friends at Hungry Bins, who have NZ’s best worm farm for feed your garden with.  Maybe just like a New Year resolution which you apply to your own habits you might consider an Earth Day resolution, start a worm farm, start growing your own veges, plant a fruit tree or join carshare!